The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

From author Kobasic (Angels in Stone, 2012) comes an urban fantasy about conjoined twins and their search for love.

Jade and Scarlett lead far from typical lives. Joined literally at the hip, the two are independent from the waist up; however, they must function as a single person from the waist down. Having written an inspirational best-seller about their trials and tribulations, the two live a relatively comfortable, albeit romantically void, existence. But when the mysterious, highly successful magician Sebastian Cole meets them, their lives change. Smitten with Scarlett, Sebastian introduces the girls to his world of SRO Las Vegas shows, fine dining, and an assortment of assistants, admirers and important friends. The talented, seductive Sebastian is more than just a common illusionist; his own story involves the supernatural and a connection to a powerful group known as Lucifer’s Chosen. As the three become intertwined, the reader follows along on a subsequently bizarre love story full of reincarnation, diabolical figures and the roaring club culture of present-day Las Vegas. Creative in concept, the novel ably depicts the inherent difficulty of romantic love for conjoined twins. Sexual at times (“Wetness pooled in me as his hand inched closer”), the plot sometimes stalls with frequent descriptions of hairstyles, clothing and food (such as when Sebastian cheerfully acknowledges his involvement in the making of a dessert: “I had a hand in the recipe; we roast the pecans in honey and brown sugar. A little rum too”). Still, the novel, the first in a projected series, succeeds in creating a believably fantastic situation, and the main characters’ unusual back stories make for intriguing urban-fantasy characters.

Be the first to discover new talent!
Each week, our editors select the one author and one book they believe to be most worthy of your attention and highlight them in our Pro Connect email alert.
Sign up here to receive your FREE alerts.